Worst case scenario: Renault leaves F1, Lotus folds.

The deal is pretty much done for Renault to buy Lotus. They announced a mutually signed letter of intent/heads of agreement already.

 

Exactly! It's all over the news.

 

+1

They've already taken care of the 65m debt to keep Lotus afloat for the coming races.

Pretty sure they won't leave after that...!

 

You're "a bit optimistic", Bas.
Renault does not want to take care of the debt (which is not 65 millions: the 65 millions are what Renault is ready to pay for 65% of the team), as Renault believe that part of the debt should be taken care of by Genii/Lopez, and that said Genii/Lopez do indeed have the money to pay.
The reason why the negociations are protracted is precisely the debt subject, onto which seller and buyer are unable to agree for the time being.

Rgds

 

Ah I must've mixed up a few articles then!

 

I believe the OP postulated a theory. He did not ask for speculation on whether the deal between lotus and Renault would be done... So here's my view-

The season is far from hosed. We would have 8 teams left. 4 teams would provide 3 cars each - Ferrari, Merc, McLaren and Wiliams. Driver choice for car 3 is free so who knows who will get the spots. Money is easy - the $$ distribution mechanisms are largely self balancing but would need some tweaking to cover car 3 costs. Due to economies of scale from running 3 cars instead of 2 there might actually be more cash per car available for the remaining 2 car teams. Some minor sponsors drop out, but no one notices. 20 cars make it to the grid in 2016 and life goes on. Points system would need adapting but again, that's hardly an impossible challenge. Simples.

 

Well, i would take Ricci's contract, would aldo buy Max and put him in a Sauber, then for 2017 it would be SEb, Ricci and Max in red!!!

 

That would make a fantastic Ferrari driver line up for 2017!

 

Off topic, but related - why doesn't Cosworth supply engines? Didn't they provide Marussia engines in 2013 or so?

 

I dont think the Renault deal is done - and could still be pretty far off.

Red Bull and Torro Rosso are in serious jeopardy of leaving... I would not be suprised if they did not go to LMS and or Tudor Series or both. way more open rules - and if they wanted to actually make a road car - that would be the way to go. and they could source a ready engine from Audi, Toyota, Nissan, etc.... or go all electric like Lord Drayson. a win at LeMans would fit nicely in the trophy cabinet ... and then go after Indy. or do all of it the same time for less than it cost for 1 year in F-1.

as for 3 car teams ...? not a bad idea, and could work. F1 needs a better engine supplier and new owners overall... its getting a bit crazy. Anyone here planning on gong to the GP in Baku? .... thought not.

 

3 car teams would not be hard, the components are already there, and there are plenty of "paying drivers" out there to fill them if needed.

 

Are you all certain that the VW fraud/scandal puts an end to the thought of a VW F1 team?

 

The new formula is too expensive for an independent engine builder.

 

By design.
We're getting a taste of what trouble relying on the big automakers can bring.